

Jeff Moss
Founder of DEF CON and Black Hat, long-time figure in the hacking community and conference organizer who reflects on 1990s hacking culture and the origins of DEF CON.
Best podcasts with Jeff Moss
Ranked by the Snipd community

19 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 23min
DEF CON’s accidental godfather
Jeff Moss, known as Dark Tangent, is the founder of DEF CON and Black Hat, revolutionizing the hacking conference scene. He shares the wild origins of DEF CON, starting as a mere going-away party and evolving into a groundbreaking event for cyber enthusiasts. Moss delves into the chaos and camaraderie of the early hacking culture, contrasting it with the corporate atmosphere of Black Hat. He also discusses the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity and how DEF CON continues to adapt as a hub for innovation in today's digital landscape.

Apr 3, 2026 • 47min
How the World Got Owned Episode 2: The 1990s, Part One
Kevin Poulsen, once a notorious 1990s phone phreaker turned security journalist. Jeff Moss, founder of DEF CON and Black Hat who shaped hacker gatherings. They reminisce about the 1990s hacking golden age. Stories cover early DIY culture, physical break‑ins and radio contest schemes. Conversations trace DEF CON’s accidental birth and how curiosity turned into crime and later careers.


